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Pave paradise? Dimple Dell development

Nature, Outdoor, Urban Planning

Pave paradise? Dimple Dell development

Dimple Dell Regional Park, a 646-acre Salt Lake County public wildlife preserve in Sandy, Utah, is identified as Open Space in the Salt Lake County Park System Master Plan. It is considered “the most pristine of all recreational property in the County’s inventory.”

But a new “improvement” project may just tear up exactly those things that make Dimple Dell so special.
Salt Lake County has earmarked $4.5 million to pave the current wood-chipped North Rim Trail that runs from the 1300 East tunnel to Granite Park. Per County standards, the soft natural trail will be paved with an asphalt roadway similar to the Jordan River Parkway. An adjacent equestrian trail, shoulder and buffer zone would ultimately clear a 30 to 50-ft.-wide three-mile-long trail.

Opponents to paving point out that if enacted, the massive construction will kill native plants and displace wildlife, destroying the natural appeal of the park. Treasured for its wildlife, native plants, mountain views and a sense of serenity not found in other parks and valued by hikers, trail runners, dog walkers, cross country skiers, bird watchers and equestrians, these changes could significantly alter exactly those qualities which this park a much sought destination.

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